Traditional folder knives - I don’t get it

K

KVT

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Feb 17, 2019
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So this isn’t meant as a dig or to stir anything up, this is just my opinion and we all are entitled to some, right?

I just don’t get the appeal of, pretty much all traditional folding knives. Whenever I see a Case knife I cringe just a little.

I’m pretty much a modern folder guy with some fixed blades where necessary. I do own some Victorinox kinives (not talking about those.)

I appreciate some of the history, design, materials and workmanship that go in to some of the traditional folders, but I really dont understand the appeal of the nail nick thing, the bolsters, the sizes and just the whole look of them.

From a utilitarian perspective I guess you could say 2 blades are better than one.

From a concealment perspectiv, we’ll, they do conceal quite well.

Why do they have to be so darn ugly?

I can’t be alone on this.
 
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Not too long ago I felt the same way. In another thread, I went so far as to say that I thought some looked "corny".

That was my opinion until I got my hands on my first well-made traditional jack knife - in this case from GEC.

It has very dark ebony covers and a polished nickel bolster, and fits right in with many of my modern, often black and satin, folders that sport materials such as titanium and carbon fiber. As well, it feels just as if not more substantial in the hand as other modern folders in my collection.

My regret is not having tried this out sooner.
 
cmfkdragoon said:
Not too long ago I felt the same way. In another thread, I went so far as to say that I thought some looked "corny".

That was my opinion until I got my hands on my first well-made traditional jack knife - in this case from GEC.

It has very dark ebony covers and a polished nickel bolster, and fits right in with many of my modern, often black and satin, folders that sport materials such as titanium and carbon fiber. As well, it feels just as if not more substantial in the hand as other modern folders in my collection.

My regret is not having tried this out sooner.
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Pics?
 
I have a few moderns, but prefer traditionals. It's my opinion that most moderns are gaudy, with harsh lines and every one of them is soulless and no matter how "slicey" someone says a Hinderer or sebenza is they're too thick behind the edge. Carbon steel and jigged bone tell the story of time spent in your pocket and hand. Titanium, plastics, and super Steels are in my eye boring.
 
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Everyone and his brother can make a single blade folder with a pivot and titanium slabs. Once you start to make multi blades, the talent required increases exponentially. There are many makers who can produce a good two blade folder. There are a select few that can make a high-quality three blade folder or higher. A well-made Stockman is a thing of beauty and is not easily found.

Traditionals also utilize use more natural scales such as stag, bone, Pearl, Mammoth, Tortoiseshell and even ivory. I find these to be infinitely more attractive than metal slabs.

I own and use both traditional and modern knives. Both serve a purpose. A well-made multi blade is a thing of beauty and is reserved for only the top echelon of knife makers. Don’t judge the whole category of traditional knives by the hardware store Case knives. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be discovered

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If you find traditional pocket knives ugly, no one can change your mind.
IMO the styling of some modern folders don't age well. I look at some modern folders I bought years ago and now they look goofy.

I've never felt that way about a well made traditional pocket knife, to me their aesthetic appeal is timeless.

I'm carrying two traditional knives in my pocket today ( American and Italian).


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I like them both but typically carry a modern folder. You really should try a traditional out. Find the best looking case you can, or least bad looking one haha and carry it for a week. They arnt terribly expensive and you can always resell it, but I bet itll grow on you.
 
Here's the thing, you need a cutting edge; that's all you need. You don't need to do anything more than make an efficient cut. I find that having both a straight edge and a curved edge in the same small package is the most efficient for me. And if I can do that in a small, compact, tool that's good.

Take these knives for instance; I'm not out in the woods, but both would serve to build and start a fire, build a game trap, fashion a pole or projectile weapon, or skin game. In the office they both open packages, cut ropes or string, and shave plastic to make pieces fit. In the yard they can trim stakes and cut hoses. But I find it much easier to pull splinters, cut holes, graft plants, etc. with the "traditional" pattern than with the other. The smaller package is half the weight, twice the utility, and for my purposes, the better tool.

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What advantage does the larger "modern" knife have? I have no desire to carry excess weight, it doesn't cut any better, it's less comfortable in the hand, it's not never going to be my choice for a weapon, I'm not splitting kindling or stabbing through anything, I've no need for speedy deployment of the blade, and just sitting around opening and closing a knife as a form of relaxation may lead to some uncomfortable questions.
 
Perhaps a generational thing. I would not be surpised if your birthyear started with a "2", or close to that, so that you'd be exposed mostly to the modern knife style.

I hadn't bought a traditional folder (or any folders for that matter save for a rare Sebenza) since the '90s, as I prefer fixed blades. But just this week I got a Forge de Laguiole traditional French folder after seeing the same knife in the "newest acquisitions" thread, and it is not only a thing of beauty (much more so than any "new" folder IMHO), but is also mechanically solid. I don't miss a locking feature in the least. Got a fitting slip sheath so it won't scratch up in the pocket, and I will likely carry this EDC.

 
KVT said:
So this isn’t meant as a dig or to stir anything up, this is just my opinion and we all are entitled to some, right?

I just don’t get the appeal of, pretty much all traditional folding knives. Whenever I see a Case knife I cringe just a little.

I’m pretty much a modern folder guy with some fixed blades where necessary. I do own some Victorinox kinives (not talking about those.)

I appreciate some of the history, design, materials and workmanship that go in to some of the traditional folders, but I really dont understand the appeal of the nail nick thing, the bolsters, the sizes and just the whole look of them.

From a utilitarian perspective I guess you could say 2 blades are better than one.

From a concealment perspectiv, we’ll, they do conceal quite well.

Why do they have to be so darn ugly?

I can’t be alone on this.
Click to expand...

I can't see how anyone who is into knives can call these " darn ugly "

kVkLn83.jpg



I like all kinds of knives. And time to time I'll buy one to check it out ( a modern folder ,frame lock etc . ) ,but never carry it . I always carry custom slipjoints . And I have some very large with no lanyard ybes I swear ,I've contemplated sending them back to the maker to get some pocket clips put on them ! :thumbsup:
 
'I'm an old dog. I grew up with traditional knives. They have class. Traditional folders have thinner blades that cut stuff so much easier. Most modern knives now days have pry bar blades . I have my share of modern knives but none have the feel of a traditional. I'm the same way about firearms also, I like revolvers and could care less about semi auto firearms. Wood stocks and blued steel none of that black rifle stuff. Just my opinion guys.
 
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